Postgraduate Diploma & Masters Degree Biosecurity

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Biosecurity)
YEAR ONE
• Prerequisite: An approved BSc or equivalent experience
subject to approval.
• Requirement: 8 courses (120 points)
• Three prescribed courses (45 points): BIOSCI 747,
BIOSCI 748, ENVSCI 733
• Five additional courses, at least three (45 points) of which
must be ENVSCI 701 or BIOSCI 761, BIOSCI 724,
BIOSCI 730, BIOSCI 751, BIOSCI 735, ENVMGT 742,
ENVMGT 743, ENVSCI 716, ENVSCI 734,
ENVSCI 737, ENVMGT 746. The remaining 30 points:
approved 700 level courses in the Faculty of Science.
BIOSCI 747 (first semester) (15 points)
Biosecurity and Invasion Biology
The science of invasion biology, including stages of the
invasion process and ecological interactions between
species. The impacts of invasive alien species in different
ecosystems. Population and community ecology, in relation
to biosecurity.
BIOSCI 748 (second semester) (15 points)
Weed and Pest Management
Techniques for the management of invasive plants and animals
(vertebrates and invertebrates) in different ecosystem types,
including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Approaches to
the prevention, control and eradication of invasive species in
different situations.
ENVSCI 733 (first semester) (15 points)
Biodiversity Management and Conservation
The management of species, ecosystems and conservation
areas, including potential synergies and conflicts between
different uses. Biosecurity and the management of invasive
species in a conservation context. Biodiversity management
and conservation in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. National
and international mechanisms for the sustainable management
of natural resources.
Master of Science (Biosecurity) Schedule
YEAR TWO*
• Prerequisite: PGDipSci (Biosecurity) (including
BIOSCI 761 or ENVSCI 701)
• Requirement:
60 points: BIOSEC 796A
60 points: BIOSEC 796B
*Available from 2009
BIOSEC 796A and B (120 points)
Thesis in Biosecurity
Research project addressing a topic relevant to
biosecurity issues. May be overseen jointly by both
academic and industry supervisors. Subject to approval
from the Programme Director, project can be carried out
while employed as a biosecurity practitioner.
The University of Auckland is uniquely placed to offer
postgraduate qualifications in biosecurity. It not only
has a Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, but also
a Marine Laboratory at Leigh, Schools of Biological
Sciences, Geology, Geography & Environmental Science
and Population Health, and close links with Landcare
Research and MAF (Biosecurity New Zealand) at
the Tamaki Campus. The University also hosts the
international headquarters of the IUCN/SSC Invasive
Species Specialist Group.
For further information contact:
Dr Margaret Stanley
School of Biological Sciences
Phone: ( 09) 373 7599 ext.86819
E-mail: mc.stanley@auckland.ac.nz
www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz
Supported by
Postgraduate Diploma
& Masters Degree
Biosecurity

Biosecurity
Advanced training for graduates and biosecurity practitioners
who wish to learn more about invasion biology and the science
behind current biosecurity issues.
Courses
• Biosecurity and invasion biology
• Weed and pest management
• Assessing environmental change and effects
• Entomology and biosecurity
• Advanced plant pathology
• Marine ecology
• Environmental policy and governance
• Research planning and communication
• Aquatic ecological assessment
• Biodiversity management and conservation
• Collaborative conservation and indigenous rights
Jointly presented by the School of Biological Sciences and the
School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science in
partnership with Landcare Research through the Centre of
Biodiversity and Biosecurity (CBB). The course will be run from
the Tamaki Campus of the University of Auckland, in conjunction
with the new Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity.
The invasive sea squirt, Styela clava or
clubbed tunicate.
Invasive heather (Calluna vulgaris) in Tongariro National Park.
Goals of the programme
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Master of Science in
Biosecurity represent new interdisciplinary programmes which
aim to give science graduates and biosecurity practitioners
the skills to move with confidence in the rapidly growing field
of biosecurity. Graduates will be equipped to understand and
protect the natural environment (both terrestrial and aquatic)
from biosecurity threats. The programmes cover a range of
topics including new discoveries in contemporary environmental
and life sciences and their translation into tools for prevention
and management of invasive species. The programmes will also
offer networking opportunities for students to meet practitioners
and leaders from the biosecurity sector and related research
areas.
Simon Fowler, Landcare Research
Employment
Opportunities
Potential opportunities for
graduates include employment
throughout the biosecurity
sector in organisations such
as MAF (Biosecurity New
Zealand), local government,
research consultancies, private
pest control companies, nongovernmental
conservation
organisations, Department of
Conservation, Crown Research
Institutes, tertiary education
sector.
Enrolment Flexibility
Candidates for entry in the PGDipSci (Biosecurity) must have
a BSc or equivalent experience subject to approval. To gain
the Postgraduate Diploma in Biosecurity you need to take all
three prescribed courses plus five other approved courses.
The Diploma is designed to meet the needs of biosecurity
practitioners and graduates seeking employment in this field.
It consists mainly of intensive modular courses (c. 1-2 weeks
formal contact) that can all be taken in one year (as a full time
student), or over a longer period (as a part time student).
The Master of Science (Biosecurity) requires the successful
completion of the Postgraduate Diploma and will be launched
in 2009. It includes a research project that can be carried out in
a University, company or government environment.
The Cawthron Institute
Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) in the Hawea River
Darren Ward, Landcare Research
The German wasp (Vespula germanica).
Richard Toft, Landcare Research
Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana).
Landcare Research